"I'm still riding on the energy," Bob Harvey laughed. Mr Harvey is a 78'er, who took part in the first Sydney Mardi Gras in 1978.

He claimed pride of place in Tamworth's own Mardi Gras event, which organisers are calling the semi-first for the city.

Unable to go to Sydney as usual, Mr Harvey sat on an extra special float - a rainbow, bedazzled Tamworth Fire and Rescue truck.

As guest speaker at Forum 6 on Saturday, he joined a crowd of all ages to watch the live-streamed parade from Sydney.

Organiser Jody Ekert was blown away with the details he shared with audiences.

"I think what stood out for me was the fact that despite how far we've come, we still have a long way to go," she said.

Aside from the stories of a lifetime, there was all the joy and celebration which are always part and parcel of Mardi Gras.

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"There were lots of rainbow flags, that's a given," she laughed.

"Fabulous sequins, lots of beautifully manicured and coloured nails and face paint, butterfly wings, and of course gold - gold always makes an appearance."

With the community also riding on the high, speculation is underway about what's in store for next year.

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